“While spending time near a body of water, it is important to keep in mind that swimming and drinking do not mix. That’s why it is important to keep an eye on your friends while near a body of water – do not let them go into the water when drunk. A drunk person may not assess the dangers of the situation, which means that the people nearby need to be watchful and interfere when needed, by keeping them out of the water.

Between 2010 and 2014, Estonia had 163 deaths by drowning where the victim had been drinking, 102 of these during summer months. Through the years, the number of drownings rises significantly in the summer months and most cases are caused by the use of alcohol. Despite a good awareness of the dangers of swimming while intoxicated, the use of alcohol inhibits the sense of danger and a person will go into the water to freshen up, swim of to test their abilities. There are also cases of accidentally falling into the water.”

Find more from Estonian Rescue Board (Estonia)